24.182.801    FIREARMS TRAINING COURSES - INITIAL QUALIFICATION AND REQUALIFICATION

(1) Firearms training courses must meet the objectives of firearm safety and shooting proficiency, with emphasis on shooting distances of less than 15 yards.

(2) Firearms training courses must address the following issues for initial qualification:

(a) firearm familiarization, including:

(i) safety levers;

(ii) decocking levers;

(iii) magazine release;

(iv) slide-lock release; and

(v) reloading;

(b) safe handling of the firearm, emphasizing:

(i) negligent discharge;

(ii) muzzle direction;

(iii) dropping a firearm;

(iv) finger on trigger;

(v) proper grip;

(vi) sight picture;

(vii) proper holstering;

(viii) firearm retention;

(ix) management of malfunctions; and

(x) firearms in the home;

(c) relevant Montana law regarding the use of deadly force, including civil and criminal liability;

(d) shooting judgment; and

(e) shooting proficiency using the firearm or firearms the licensee will use on duty.

(3) To requalify, an armed licensee must annually pass a shooting proficiency test conducted by a POST-certified firearms instructor or private security firearms instructor using the firearm or firearms the licensee will use on duty.

(4) The instructor must:

(a)  require passage of a written test for initial qualification; and

(b) provide each successful participant for initial qualification and annual requalification a certificate that includes:

(i)  the date or dates of course completion;

(ii)  the name of the instructor; 

(iii)  if the course is an initial qualification or an annual requalification; and 

(iv)  the firearm or firearms used to qualify or requalify.

 

History: 37-60-202, 37-60-303, MCA; IMP, 37-60-202, 37-60-303, MCA; NEW, 2005 MAR p. 1926, Eff. 10/7/05; AMD, 2017 MAR p. 1957, Eff. 10/28/17; AMD, 2023 MAR p. 1744, Eff. 12/9/23.